The Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships (hereafter referred to as Taekwondo Championships), representing Chuncheon, Gangwon, opened in great success at the Hoban Gymnasium on the afternoon of the 7th.
The opening ceremony of the 14th Taekwondo Championships this year began with a gala show.
The opening ceremony was attended by Kim Jin-tae, governor of Gangwon Province, Yang Jin-bang, president of the Korea Taekwondo Association, Chuncheon Mayor Yuk Dong-han안전놀이터, members of the National Assembly Noh Yong-ho, Han Ki-ho, and Heo Young, Taekwondo-related executives and athletes, and citizens.
During the tournament, three events are held: poomsae, sparring, and breaking.
This year, more than 3,200 players from 60 countries participated, among which 1,545 (48%) were foreigners.
It is the largest ever since the first event in 2000, with more than 1,000 more participants than last year.
In particular, this tournament is awarded with the highest G2 (grade) among Asian games and 20 ranking points.
In addition, a video review system applied in the 2024 Paris Olympic Taekwondo event was introduced to enable fair judgment.
As a side event, a beer festival will be held at the outdoor stage of the Hoban Gymnasium from 5:00 pm during the competition period from the day to the 12th.
In addition, in preparation for heat waves, a large tent (15m wide, 70m long) will be installed and operated outside the stadium as an air-conditioned restaurant and rest area.
To prevent safety accidents, medical personnel are deployed, and disinfection is conducted once a day for quarantine.
Chuncheon City expects a ripple effect on the local economy of about 2.9 billion won for the accommodation and food expenses of the participating athletes during the tournament until the 14th.
Yuk Dong-han, mayor of Chuncheon, said, “It has grown into a true Taekwondo central city based on the experience and potential accumulated over 20 years of holding Taekwondo competitions.” said.